Emirati security forces man a checkpoint at the entrance of Abu Dhabi. File/ AFP

Abu Dhabi has issued more details regarding the entry of residents to the Emirate from other areas of the country.    

The Abu Dhabi Media Office said, “Further details on the decision to allow entering the Emirate of Abu Dhabi with a COVID-19 negative test result within 48 hours from receiving the results.”

The Media Office shared guidelines on the decision. 

The decision supports the ongoing efforts of the National Screening Programme to curb the spread of COVID-19 and the recent health achievements.

What are the procedures for entering Abu Dhabi?

Everyone (UAE citizens and residents) is allowed to enter the Emirate of Abu Dhabi within 48 hours of receiving a negative COVID-19 test result, excluding:

• Those transporting mail and goods of all kinds

• Entry of non-Abu-Dhabi-based blue-collar workers is still prohibited.

Are there any exceptions?

The following groups are exempt:

• Those with medical appointments for cancer or kidney-related treatment.

• Children under 12 years old.

• Representatives from Ministries, local departments, diplomatic entities, companies, bureaus, and offices of Their Highnesses, and those on special missions, may apply for a one-day Mission Permit for a maximum of 14 hours (6.00am - 8.00pm).

• If entering outside the 14-hour permit period, a negative test result within the past 48 hours is required

• People in this group must be tested every 14 days

• One-day permit requests should be sent via email to ops@adloc.gov.ae

Are frontline workers excluded?

Frontline workers are not excluded, but because of the nature of their work they already undergo regular tests.

Does the entry ban on non Abu Dhabi based workers include domestic staff?

Domestic staff for families in Abu Dhabi may enter the emirate as long as they have a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of receiving the result.

Will all cars be stopped to check test results?

Yes, and to support this effort we strongly advise the public not to attempt entering the emirate without having a negative test result. Doing so will cause delays for others and add unnecessary pressure on checkpoints.

How long will these regulations last?

This decision will be in effect until further notice, and will depend on continued monitoring and further positive outcomes that have been seen in recent weeks, and the conclusion of the National Screening Programme.

Why has this decision been taken?

In light of continued positive outcomes in containing the spread of COVID-19 in the emirate, this decision has been made to enable the public to enter Abu Dhabi without the need to apply for a permit. Abu Dhabi has achieved a low number of patients requiring hospital treatment, with many hospitals across the emirate now free of COVID-19 cases, and a significant decrease in the percentage of cases found during testing.

Abu Dhabi's decision is a preventative measure based on several factors and indicators, with the objective of reducing the possibility of infection between locations in general and supporting the completion of the National Screening Programme approved by the Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disaster Committee for the COVID-19 Pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of tests across all groups in Abu Dhabi society have been conducted and are still ongoing.

Does this not effectively prohibit travel, indirectly?

Quite the opposite, actually — the decision enables the public to enter Abu Dhabi without a permit, and the test is a preventative measure that safeguards the health of each person, their family, and their community. Rather than prohibiting, the decision enables travel while protecting the health and safety of all those residing in and visiting Abu Dhabi.